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Isaac Merritt Singer

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Entrepreneur

The Resume

    (October 27, 1811-July 23, 1875)
    Born in Pittstown, New York
    Founded the Singer Sewing Machine Company (1851)

Why he might be annoying:

    He is often thought of as the inventor of the sewing machine, but he wasn't.
    He had multiple bigamous marriages.
    His common-law wife Mary Ann Sponsler had him arrested for domestic abuse.
    He left five wives, 22 children and two wills, generating bitter legal battles after his death.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He ended the legal battles among the people claiming to have invented the sewing machine by organizing the first patent pool.
    He introduced the first sewing machines for the home rather than for industrial use.
    So people could afford the machines, he introduced the first installment plan for purchases.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 6 Votes: 16.67% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 10 Votes: 70.0% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 7 Votes: 57.14% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 7 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 15 Votes: 46.67% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 13 Votes: 30.77% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 15 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 11 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 22 Votes: 59.09% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 30 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 5 Votes: 80.0% Annoying